I came across the Loving Frank website today and was surprised to see all of the architectural-inspired Flash animation and photos of Wright buildings. Explore a little here.
Image copyright Random House
I came across the Loving Frank website today and was surprised to see all of the architectural-inspired Flash animation and photos of Wright buildings. Explore a little here.
Image copyright Random House
Eric on Jun 12, 2009 at 10:13 AM in Books & Multimedia, Websites | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
House Industries presents a suite of Alexander Girard fonts and objects. Learn more here, then shop Girard & watch the film.
Image copyright House Industries
Bryan on Feb 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM in Books & Multimedia, Products | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Mike Martin on Jan 22, 2009 at 02:23 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I found this television interview about typeface design with Steven Heller, Jonathan Hoelfler and Tobias Frere-Jones on You Tube. Click here to view it.
Image copyright ligaturejim
Lisa on Jan 06, 2009 at 10:09 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Our friends at Room & Board were kind enough to put videos of the Splendid Table Event up on YouTube. I've watched the first one and getting ready to watch the other ones. Wish I would have gone to the event, but this is the next best thing.
Image copyright Room & Board
Lisa on Nov 06, 2008 at 01:54 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
For those of you who are fans of both Mad Men and the Simpsons, this spoof will probably make your day. Funny stuff.
Image copyright Fox Broadcasting Company
Martrese White on Oct 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Following-up on my previous post about the new book on Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple: The publisher of The Noble Room has put up more info on their website, including an excerpt. Check it out by following the link.
Image copyright Top Five Books
Eric on Oct 17, 2008 at 01:29 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A brand new hardcover book is coming in December 2008 that covers the complete story of how Wright's Modern Masterpiece, Unity Temple, was born. Learn all about it after the jump...
Eric on Oct 09, 2008 at 02:18 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I'm eagerly anticipating the release of Frank Lloyd Wright: The Buildings by Alan Hess and Alan Weintraub. Here's a sneak peek at what can be expected...
Eric on Oct 08, 2008 at 01:52 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
A new book titled Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright by Derek Fell is scheduled to be released in March 2009. Read more about it after the jump...
Eric on Sep 26, 2008 at 09:34 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Hennessey + Ingalls Books and Taschen are coming out with a complete facsimile edition of John Entenza's
groundbreaking magazine, Art & Architecture, which launched the Case Study House Program. The first part (1945-1954) ten boxes, each containing one year's worth of magazines. Check it out by following the link.
Image copyright Hennessey + Ingalls Books and Taschen
Eric on Sep 25, 2008 at 09:30 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A recent article in the McCook Daily Gazette discusses the upcoming book about the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Nebraska, the Sutton House. Donald Morgen and John Altberg have studied the history and architecture of the house extensively and are ready to publish a book about it which should be out by the end of the year. Read the article by following the link.
Photo courtesy of the McCook Daily Gazette
Eric on Sep 21, 2008 at 04:28 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Here's some info of special note for people interested in the work of Organic Architect, John Randal McDonald. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of Brian Beno’s Book on JRMcD, please email Tim Melchert at tmelchert@wi.rr.com or call him at 414-540-9456. The cost will be approximately $20 for printing and mailing. I'm going to order mine!
Image copyright pwp2.com
Eric on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:12 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
I.D. Magazine has an interview with Phaidon Press publisher Richard Schlagman about their new Le Corbusier Le Grand book. The book was released Aug. 4 for $200.
Image Copyright Phaidon Press
Lisa on Aug 07, 2008 at 10:07 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Eric on Jul 22, 2008 at 08:54 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It's no secret that I love books. I also love design. So it stands to reason that books about design are always of special interest to me! Rockport publishes several of the best in the business. I'm an especially big fan of the Design Matters series they put out. These are extremely well designed books that contain a mountain of great information about topics such as logos, brochures and packaging design. You can check out all of Rockport's titles here.
Photo copyright Rockport
Eric on Jul 06, 2008 at 11:07 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Because I've been on an Amy Butler kick lately, I can already hear my fellow PrairieMod Squad peeps chuckling as they read this. But, if you love crafting and little kids...this is a must see.
Amy Butler has just released her new book Little Stitches for Little Ones via her online store and it seems like it is packed full of projects to aid in the creation of special gifts for the tiny ones in your life.
I have to say, this stuff looks pretty tight. BabyMod is going to a whole new level here!
Image copyright Amy Butler Design
Bryan on Jul 01, 2008 at 10:12 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Wright In Racine.com has a new post reviewing a new DVD called Frank Lloyd Wright and His Inner Circle: A Grandson's View.
The grandson is Brandoch Peters—son of Taliesin apprentice, William Wesley Peters and Wright's adoptive daughter, Svetlana Hinzenburg. It looks like an interesting view of what life was like inside the limestone walls of Taliesin. To read more, follow the link.
Image courtesy of Wright In Racine
Eric on Jun 02, 2008 at 05:39 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
You don't have to be young--only young-at-heart to enjoy Blue Balliett's wonderful books involving art world mystery's and the kid detectives that solve them. After the success of Chasing Vermeer and The Wright 3 (which features the Robie House in Hyde Park, IL), Balliett's new book takes on a very moving subject: Alexander Calder's mobiles.
A recent Newsweek.com article caught-up with the author to discuss her new book, The Calder Game and where her inspiration came from. Check out the article by following the link. Enjoy!
Eric on Apr 12, 2008 at 12:44 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Eric on Apr 04, 2008 at 07:57 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
While reading this morning, I came across an Q&A article with Hiroshi Sugimoto from I.D. Magazine. After reading the article I wanted to acquaint myself with his photographs, so I went to his website. What beautiful images! I love the explanations of why he photographed the sometimes unusual things he did.
Lisa on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Hot on the heels of their last book, Frank Lloyd Wright: Mid-Century Modern comes another new FLW book by author Alan Hess and photographer Alan Weintraub. This new book, which will be released in October 21, 2008 is called Frank Lloyd Wright: The Buildings and will contain guest essays written by Kathryn Smith and David Delong.
Not sure what "Buildings" means the focus of the content of the book will be, but at least we can assume that Taliesin West will be included, since it graces the cover. It's also listed at 300 pages, so expect another hefty tome from team "Alan."
As soon as we get our copy at PrairieMod, we'll be sure to let readers know the building line-up included and if it's a "gotta have" or a "don't bother."
Image copyright Rizzoli
Eric on Mar 13, 2008 at 02:02 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I'm a total book junkie. I especially love (and amass large collections of) books on architecture and design. With all the books out there on these subjects, you can imagine that many become a bit repetitious and light on content (design books are especially guilty of this.) Well, I recently got 2 books that I've enjoyed so much for what they say as much as for their design, that I thought I'd share with everyone.
Eric on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:58 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Princeton University Press has two fascinating books coming out in March:
The Essential Frank Lloyd Wright: Critical Writings on Architecture, Edited by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer -
Wright was perhaps the most influential and inspired architect of the twentieth century, and this is the only book that gathers all of his most significant essays, lectures, and articles on architecture. Bruce Pfeiffer includes each piece in its entirety to present the architect's writings as he originally intended them. Beginning early in Wright's career with "The Art and Craft of the Machine" in 1901, the book follows major themes through The Disappearing City, The Natural House, and many other writings, and ends with A Testament in 1957, published two years before his death. This volume is beautifully illustrated with original drawings and photographs, and is complemented by Pfeiffer's general introduction, which provides history and context. The Essential Frank Lloyd Wright is a must-have resource for architects and scholars and a delight for general readers.
Continue reading "Two New FLW Books from the Princeton University Press" »
Bryan on Jan 20, 2008 at 10:12 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
A recent article on SFGate.com highlights the career of San Francisco Bay area Organic Architect, Olof Dahlstrand. Olof who?
Eric on Jan 08, 2008 at 09:35 PM in Articles, Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
2007 has been a good year for Marion Mahony. Her memoir, The Magic of America, was finally published (in digital form on the web) for the world to read and now news has come of another important book published about her and her work.
Eric on Dec 08, 2007 at 11:03 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
A new book was released this week about the brilliant organic architect Alden Dow. The book is titled Midwestern Modern and was written by Diane Maddex. The book traces Alden Dow's life and work as well as the intensely personal philosophy that governed everything he did: houses, churches, schools, business and civic structures, and even a new town in Texas. Dow changed the face of his hometown of Midland, Michigan, leaving more than one hundred buildings, including his Home and Studio, a National Historic Landmark.
If you're interested, you can meet the author on October 23, 2007 during a book signing at the Grace Dow Memorial Library in Midland, MI from 4-6pm.
Image copyright Archetype Press
Bryan on Sep 28, 2007 at 12:15 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
While on a run this week, I popped a small back-log of Dwell Magazine podcasts on my iPhone (yes, I'm one of the folks who paid too much for this thing) and was loving some of the stuff I was hearing. A favorite edition was an interview with Karim Rashid, design guru at-large. You can check it here or listen to any one of the other great Dwell podcasts here.
Image Dwell.com
Bryan on Sep 07, 2007 at 09:43 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Finally! For all those who know and love the work of Marion Mahony Griffin, this is what you've been waiting for. The Art Institute of Chicago has worked very hard with the New York Historical Society to bring her memoirs, which she titled The Magic of America, to the world via the web. As described on the site:
The Magic of America, a typescript of over 1,400 pages with approximately 650 accompanying illustrations, was written and compiled by Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961), architect, designer, delineator, and artist. In 1911 she married Walter Burley Griffin (1876-1937), architect, landscape designer, and city planner. Their architectural practice spanned almost four decades on three continents, and The Magic of America was meant, in part, to be a testament to their life and work together. The Magic of America: Electronic Edition collates in a digital format all the texts and illustrations from the three known copies of the work. The electronic edition thus represents the most complete and accessible version currently available of this important architectural document.
This is a very important event for anyone interested in finding out more about the life and art of this truly amazing woman. To check out the website, follow this link. Enjoy!
Image copyright The Art Institute of Chicago
PrairieMod Admin on Sep 02, 2007 at 05:17 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
We received word from former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, Earl Nisbet, about how PrairieMod readers could help save Taliesin. Mr. Nisbet has written a book that was intended to not only tell his unique story, but help save the beautiful Wisconsin Wright home and studio that is now very much in need of restoration. He writes:
"Would it be possible to let your readers know that the book "TALIESIN REFLECTIONS" WAS WRITTEN TO HELP SAVE TALIESIN, Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Spring Green, Wisconsin. It was on an endangered list and I am providing 100% of the proceeds to go to Taliesin Preservation, Inc. You may view a portion of the book on my web site. [www.earlnisbet.com] - Thank you for what you can do. Earl Nisbet - Aptos, California."
We got our copy when it first came out, and it's a wonderful read; filled with insights, photos and drawings from Earl's experiences at Taliesin. We highly recommend that if you're interested in the world of Wright and would like to do your part to preserve an American masterpiece, pick up your copy of Taliesin Reflections by following this link. Enjoy!
Photo copyright Earl Nisbet
PrairieMod Admin on Aug 14, 2007 at 02:39 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
There's a new Frank Lloyd Wright book making the rounds in the media. Loving Frank is a fictionalized take on the relationship between Mamah Borthwick Cheney and Wright by author, Nancy Horan. There's been a lot written on the scandal and it's tragic aftermath, but this is the first novelization based on the actual events of the love affair. NPR's show, Morning Edition recently featured a discussion with Ms. Horan about her book and the influences behind it:
The author says her work of fiction was influenced by John Lloyd Wright's biography of his father, which showed another side of the famous architect.
"It was really his words that kind of gave me permission to imagine Frank as something more than a colossal egotist," Horan says. "And what he said about Mamah and about his father was that something in him died with her — a something that was loveable and gentle that I knew and loved in my father."
It's an interesting take on this difficult and complex subject from the life of Wright. We are waiting for our copy of Loving Frank to review it for ourselves---and our readers. In the meantime, check out the interview, read an excerpt from the book at NPR's website or pick-up a copy of the book for yourself.
PrairieMod Admin on Aug 10, 2007 at 10:37 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
While attending the recent Walter Burley Griffin Society of America meeting held in Decatur, IL I got a sneak peek at the upcoming book that Professor Paul Kruty has written with Professor Paul Sprague about Millikin Place. It's touted as one of the most comprehensive books about this unique group of Prairie School buildings located in Central Illinois. The preview copy looked well-designed and full of great, never-before published photos. As soon as we get our hands on a copy, we'll be sure to review it for everyone! Stay tuned.
Photo copyright PrairieMod
Eric on Jun 22, 2007 at 02:37 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
For those of you who are fans of Calatrava (I certainly am), Taschen has published his mid-career monograph. You can pick it up for about 125 bones.
The Taschen website has some excellent items that compliment the book like an excerpt from the book and a video interview with Santiago Calatrava himself.
I haven't picked this up yet, but it definitely is a book that we need to add to the PrairieMod library. His organic and kinetic structures are truly breath taking structures.
Image copyright Taschen
Bryan on May 04, 2007 at 08:20 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1)
We are really looking forward to this one! Frank Lloyd Wright Mid Century Modern, the next book in Alan Hess and Alan Weintraub's phenomenal series of oversized and beautifully photographed Frank Lloyd Wright books. Due out in late October, it's sure to be as amazing as their other two books (FLW The Houses and FLW Prairie Houses.) We look forward to this much needed look at Wright the Modernist (some could say, the PrairieModernist!)
Pre-order your copy now and as soon as we hear anything more about this release, we'll let you know!
PrairieMod Admin on Apr 14, 2007 at 04:03 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Books are one of the things we absolutely adore here at PrairieMod and over the years we've compiled quite a library of books and periodicals on the subjects of art, architecture, design, photography, etc. It's where we go to research the ideas of past thinkers in order to develop our PrairieMod Principles, which guide the "Art of Living in the Modern World." We've gotten a few recent emails alerting us to some soon to be published books to add to the ever expanding PrairieMod library.
PrairieMod Admin on Feb 19, 2007 at 10:31 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
If you haven't heard, Google has a beta search tool that allows you to view samples of books...some of which are out-of-print. I came across this via Hewn & Hammered. Check out some of your favorite topics or titles. For example, Frank Lloyd Wright, Green & Greene or a Palm Springs Weekend.
Image copyright 2006 Google
Bryan on Dec 28, 2006 at 09:58 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I recently finished reading a book whose title really caught my attention. The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton appeared at first to be a nice summation of many ideological points that the PrairieMod lifestyle is based around. However, after reading it, something left me feeling a little less than happy.
Eric on Dec 08, 2006 at 12:47 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
If your still searching for that perfect holiday gift for the architecture buff on your list, then might I suggest the new book, Richard Nickel's Chicago. As described on the Prairie Avenue Bookshop site:
"Nickel is remembered for his brave and lonely stand to protect Chicago's significant buildings, and for his dramatic death in the rubble of the Stock Exchange Building. With this book, he will also be remembered for his photography. Erik Larson, the author of DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY, says 'Nickel's photographs must be seen by all, not so much to bemoan lost things, but to prevent such crimes against cityscape from ever occurring again.'"
Richard was instrumental in raising awareness to the plight of Chicago's wanton destruction of its architectural heritage in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Take some time to learn more about this remarkable man and this remarkable book, his story and art will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Image courtesy of pabook.com
Eric on Dec 06, 2006 at 03:53 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The PrairieMod Squad had the pleasure of a recent visit to the Burton J. Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio. We arrived at dusk and took some photos of the stunningly restored Frank Lloyd Wright home. Of particular note are the two giant urns in front of the house (the largest Wright designed) and the striking geometric birdhouse that was originally intended for the house, but finally added during restoration.
At a cost of 5.8 million dollars, Wright's only Prairie style home in Ohio was saved from being torn down and lost forever. People who visit can catch a glimpse of the restoration process in an 8 minute video that is shown before taking a tour. It is extremely well done and highlights the huge undertaking that was saving this house. If your interested in seeing this video, you'll soon be able to own a 30 minute extended version of it. We found out that the DVD will be available for purchase at their store and soon on their new website this December. There will also be a small book released with photos and text on the house; with a hardcover, coffee-table book to follow next year. If you haven't had a chance to visit this gem, we highly recommend you come out and see for yourself what makes this home an unforgettable experience!
Photos copyright PrairieMod
Eric on Nov 18, 2006 at 10:12 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
There is an informative article about Gerald Morosco, author of How to Work With an Architect, on Pop City. I haven't read this book yet, but I like the sound of it. If you're looking to remodel or build a new home, this book sounds like it might just be a worthwhile tool. Also, all of the excellent photography in the book is by Ed Massery.
Morosco is a well-respected architect based in Pittsburgh, PA and was named as Chairman of the Board of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation last year.
Bryan on Nov 17, 2006 at 10:55 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It came today! Our copy of Alan Hess and Alan Weintraub's newest tome, Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie Houses. It was worth the wait! Published by Rizzoli, this book is a little smaller in overall dimension and thickness than the Alan's previous work, Frank Lloyd Wright The Houses. This is a nice change, since as glorious as The Houses was, it is a little cumbersome to hold and peruse.
So what's inside? An amazing walk through some of the most important houses Mr. Wright ever designed. 70 buildings are beautifully photographed including such gems as the newly restored Heurtley House (which graces the cover), The Henderson House, The Coonley House, both Martin Houses, and many more. Alan Hess and Kathryn Smith both provide essays exploring the ideas and development behind this truly American Architecture.
With the holidays approaching, this book will make a perfect gift for anyone on your list who enjoys getting a sneak peek inside some of the greatest little (and not-so-little) houses on the prairie...just make sure you also treat yourself to a copy as well!
Image courtesy of amazon.com
PrairieMod Admin on Nov 15, 2006 at 11:36 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It's rare that a book or a weblog can change the world. We think we've found both. Worldchanging.com is a weblog that has been working hard to bring people links to ideas, tools and models for undertaking a change of direction towards a sustainable future for us and our planet. As stated on their site:
WorldChanging.com works from a simple premise: that the tools, models and ideas for building a better future lie all around us. That plenty of people are working on tools for change, but the fields in which they work remain unconnected. That the motive, means and opportunity for profound positive change are already present. That another world is not just possible, it's here. We only need to put the pieces together.
Their site is a joy to explore and we especially enjoy the clean engaging design that permeates throughout. In a bid to extend beyond cyberspace and put concrete ideas in the hands of more people, Worldchanging.com has just released their book to the stores (just in time for the holidays!) Designed by Sagmeister and with a forward by Al Gore, Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century is a 600-page tome that is self-described as:
A groundbreaking compendium of the most innovative solutions, ideas and inventions emerging today for building a sustainable, livable, prosperous future. From consumer consciousness to a new vision for industry; non-toxic homes to refugee shelters; microfinance to effective philanthropy; socially responsible investing to starting a green business; citizen media to human rights; ecological economics to climate change, this is the most comprehensive, cutting-edge overview to date of what's possible in the near future -- if we decide to make it so.
Covering everything from green architecture, biomimicry, smart growth, human rights and more in 7 robust sections, this book promises to become the road map to achieve a sustainable future. The next time you find yourself at Borders, pick up a copy and check it out...it might just change your world!
Image courtesy of worldchanging.com
PrairieMod Admin on Nov 11, 2006 at 07:50 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
If you think Purcell & Elmslie are new Sesame Street characters, then get ready to go to "Prairie" School. William Gray Purcell & George Grant Elmslie were progressive American architects who were the second most commissioned firm of practicing Prairie School architects after Frank Lloyd Wright. Both Purcell & Elmslie worked for periods of time in Louis Sullivan's office before moving into their own practices (Purcell & Feick in 1907; Purcell, Feick & Elmslie in 1910; and Purcell & Elmslie in 1913). Elmslie was especially influenced by Louis Sullivan's style of ornamentation design and ultimately surpassed the master in his ability to dream up beautifully complex decorative patterns. A great number of their banks, houses, and other buildings have survived and can be found in Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Portland.
If your curiosity is piqued, we've got a list of suggested books and a few websites for you to check out to learn more about these Prairie School icons:
• Purcell & Elmslie: Prairie Progressive Architects by David and Patricia Gebhard--A great book that gives a spectacular overview of their lives and all their commissions.
• At Home on the Prairie: The Houses of Purcell & Elmslie by Dixie Legler and Christian Korab--This beautifully photographed book focuses on their stunning house designs. Amazing images of both interiors and exteriors.
• Progressive Design in the Midwest: The Purcell-Cutts House and the Prairie School Collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts by Jennifer Komar Olivarez--An in depth look inside the Purcell & Elmslie masterpiece, the Purcell-Cutts house (open for tours). Plus an overview of the museum's Prairie School collection.
• Organica.org is an extensive website that is devoted to the works of Purcell & Elmslie. You could spend hours pouring over all the photos, information and links.
• Unified Vision: The Architecture and Design of the Prairie School is a website operated by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts has an overview of their collection and an on line tour of the fantastic Purcell-Cutts house.
This is just a quick set of the best sources of information on Purcell & Elmslie. A trip to the Purcell-Cutts house and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is highly recommended to experience their design mastery first hand. Class dismissed!
Interior photo of Purcell-Cutts house copyright 2006 artsmia.org
PrairieMod Admin on Nov 04, 2006 at 11:06 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Pedro Guerrero, the photographer who captured the lives and work of three prominent American artists will be coming out with a new book in January. The title of the new hardcover is Pedro Guerrero: A Photographer's Journey with Frank Lloyd Wright, Alexander Calder, and Louise Nevelson and it will be published by Princeton Architectural Press.
Guerrero is best known for his powerful photos of Mr. Wright expressing his architectural ideas with his hands and early construction photos of Taliesin West. His images captured some of the most important moments in these artists later lives and work. We look forward to seeing the breadth of Mr. Guerrero's life work in this upcoming book. When we receive our copy, we'll make sure to let our readers know what we think.
Image courtesy of Amazon.com
Eric on Oct 31, 2006 at 03:07 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The good people over at Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond are putting together a fancy coffee-table book to help promote the preservation of modern homes in Chicagoland. They've recruited one of the world's most respected architectural photographers to help them out, Julius Shulman. Shulman first made his mark with the spectacular images he captured of Case Study House #22 and the Kaufman House in Palm Springs.
To read more details about the project or make a donation to the CBB book fund, click here.
Bryan on Oct 31, 2006 at 10:17 AM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
John Rattenbury was a principal architect and planner for Taliesin Architects until 2003. A former Wright apprentice, Rattenbury has made efforts to educate the public about Organic Architecture. Almost a decade ago, he gained the attention of the mainstream via his brilliant and stunning design for Life Magazine's 1997 Dream House. This project was much in the spirit of Wright's 1938 Life Magazine Dream House because of its adherence to the same principles. The flexibility of this design and the various options have made it a Life Dream Home that has been built in multiple iterations all over the USA.
Two books Rattenbury wrote, A Living Architecture and A House for Life, attempt to express the essence of what Organic Architecture is all about. Both books have the same core mission, to get the ideas (not style) of Organic Architecture into the hands of those outside Taliesin's walls.
Some have criticized A Living Architecture as being un-scholarly and simplistic, but seem to miss the point that it is meant to be accessible to the lay person. The book outlines and details Wright's twelve architectural principles, while providing case studies of designs utilizing these ideas...all created by Taliesin Architects.
A House for Life, is written in a way that informs the reader about Wright's principles and then discusses the process of working with an architect and builder (i.e., The Design/Build Team) who understand these principles. Fans of Sarah Susanka's, The Not So Big House series would enjoy this material. The message is simple: A moderate-cost house can be both functional and beautiful. In doing so, we can create an environment that raises the level of quality of life for those who live within.
Images courtesy of Wayne Source and Amazon.com
Bryan on Oct 27, 2006 at 12:45 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I recently picked up about a half a dozen of the small, soft-cover copies that Taschen Books publishes on the different architectural masters. There are quite a few in the entire series and they cover such notable architects as John Lautner, Charles and Ray Eames, Santiago Calatrava, and of course... Frank Lloyd Wright. The text is approachable, yet informative and there are numerous photos and line drawings that accompany it. I especially enjoyed the color renderings in the Wright book.
You can usually find them at your local bookstore or on-line for around 10.00 each, so they are also quite a bargain. If you are new to the modern architecture scene, or a seasoned veteran...there's something for everyone in this book series. Happy reading!
Images courtesy of Taschen Books
Eric on Sep 27, 2006 at 02:44 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I recently found a copy of Christopher Wilk's 1993 comprehensive book, Frank Lloyd Wright: The Kaufmann Office. It's a small book that packs a lot of insightful information about this remarkable space that Wright created for his Fallingwater patron, E.J. Kaufmann in 1937.
The book goes into detail about the design and execution of the furniture, textiles and amazing cedar plywood panel mural. Of particular interest is the fact that Wright turned to Loja Saarinen (wife of Eliel Saarinen, of the Cranbrook Academy of Art located near Detroit) to create the hand woven carpeting and upholstery. It was a unique blending of the Arts & Crafts ideals of beautiful, hand-crafted objects with the design and sensibilities of Modernism.
Originally located in Kaufmann's department store in Pittsburgh, it was donated to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London by Edgar Kaufmann, Jr. in 1974. It can be seen today in all it's glory and is the only complete Wright-designed interior in Europe.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Wright or Modern design. Unfortunately, it's out of print, but you can find copies of it at Amazon Marketplace Sellers website. If anyone has been to the V&A installed Kaufmann office and would like to share their photos or experiences, we'd love to hear from you!
Image courtesy of the Victoria & Albert Museum
PrairieMod Admin on Sep 15, 2006 at 04:46 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust is getting ready to release a new book on the Oak Park/River Forest commissions of Mr. Wright. Written by Patrick F. Cannon with photography by James Caulfield, it presents all 28 Wright buildings in the area and details their design and history. In addition to the regular release, they are also offering a special collector's slipcase edition along with a street map and two Wright Plus House Walk tickets for the 2007 event. Check out all the details and order your copy here!
Images courtesy of wrightplus.org
Eric on Aug 21, 2006 at 02:00 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and The Collapse of The American Dream.
If you haven't heard of or seen this award winning documentary, check out the official website for detailed info. If you'd like to see a short promo clip, you can view one on GoogleVideo.
While the video may be a bit too alarmist and one-sided, there is no doubt that it is worth viewing. It is a catalyst for discussion and definitely gets one thinking about the future of our current way of life in America.
Image courtesy of www.endofsuburbia.com
Bryan on Aug 04, 2006 at 07:54 PM in Books & Multimedia | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)



